A/N a little Christmas treat, a long overdue top up.

Chapter 6

"I think I'll take a glass of something over before someone else tries to introduce themselves. Can I get a good double shot of whisky over ice please sweetheart? These exec types always like whisky, I'm sure the female counterparts are expected to like it too." Bianca fluffed her hair a little and straightened the v line of her dress, though never taking her eyes from the brunette.

"I suspect this particular client would be more suited to a beer. Nevertheless, here's your Laphroaig over ice as requested."

Bianca finally turned away from Janr and smiled at Maura, a look of somewhat pity mixed with genuine warmth. "Trust me darling, these women are expected to play a man's game. And certain things become part of their job description. Cigars and malt whisky are two such things." She winked at Maura before relieving her of the small tray and drink and slinking her way over to Jane's table.

Jane for her part had chosen well. The booth she had selected provided, as they all did, a certain level of seclusion inherent in their shape however this particular table provided a good view of both the bar and the gambling tables and importantly beyond to the 'privacy' rooms.

Jane shifted slightly in her seat. She had appreciated taking a few moments to acquaint herself with the layout in a more detailed manner, however the impenetrable stare from the redhead had made even the slightest eye contact with Maura, so far, impossible. She had glanced in her direction on entering, so she could assume she was at least physically ok. She needed to know she was ok. Even a simple nod would be enough.

She braced herself as the curvy redhead made her way over. Attempting to stay in character had to be her priority right now, if she let it slip and someone made her, both she and Maura could be in real danger.

Bianca leaned against the high sided edge of the booth, she proffered her drink down to the table in front of Jane. "May I sit with you ma'am?" She oozed sensuality to the point of almost cliché. Jessica Rabbit had undoubtedly been inspirational, was Jane's immediate reaction and the smile that escaped her lips was taken as an invitation, as she slunk into the booth beside her. "Forgive my being presumptuous but I thought you might like a drink?" Jane nodded at this and brought the glass to her nose before replacing it back on the table.

"Thank you," she offered " I am sure it's a great whisky. But I'm more of a beer woman whilst away from the office. Thank you all the same." Jane didn't want to offend her companion, she needed to keep her cover. "That said I would be grateful of some company if someone would be good enough to get me a cold one. I'm Giuliana, I didn't catch your name."

She used the momentary break in conversation to risk a glance at Maura. She had her head down drying a few glasses, her hair fell lightly across her cheek. Jane was sure Maura knew she was looking over at her, and yet she saw a small smile play across her lips, a little smirk and a bitten lip, as if pretending she didn't know she was being watched. And whilst it was over in less than a moment a little heat flushed into Jane's cheeks. She was sure she must have imagined it, after all the flirtatious nature of their relationship was always cartoonish, over the top, never daring to be anything less so, lest it become something secret, quiet and real. Yet here she was undercover on an operation solely so she could be close to the woman. Daring to hope she was attempting to flirt with her.

"I'm Bianca," her companion replied breaking Jane from her reverie and when Jane turned her attention she realised too late she had been caught out. The woman smiled knowingly, swept the whisky glass from the table and downed it herself. "I'm happy to get your drink. Would you like to continue sitting here or would you prefer to move to one of our tables and enjoy a game? I can have your chips brought to you. Or maybe you'd prefer to sit at the bar and enjoy the view?" There was no hint of malice in the courtesans voice, nor in the not-so-undeliberate way she was gesturing towards the bar and Maura with her hand.

Maura's perceived behaviour had emboldened her. Why not? She'd been discovered and by a complete stranger within moments of being around her best friend. Surely she wasn't so obvious in their day-to-day interactions? Jane chastised herself, this was not the time for this train of thought. Yet she couldn't help wondering if having caught herself up in this situation it could be used for the good of the case. A little bit of work and play couldn't hurt? Anything that happens undercover, stays undercover. That was the what people said, right? Well, Jane thought, time to find out .